I know that everyone has diffrent side effects, I am just wondering if weight gain is a common one. I am hoping that it is not. I need treatment for my deppression but am affraid of gaining alot of weight on SSRI's because that in itself will make me deppressed. Thank you for any and all comments and info :)
Does Sertraline Cause Weight Gain?
- Posted:
- 17 Dec 2011 by alisha29
- Topics:
- depression, obesity, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, sertraline, side effect, weight
Answers (6)
17 Dec 2011
Unfortunately weight gain is a possible side effect of Sertraline Hydrochloride, although it is not very common. Based on clinical studies, weight gain occurs in around 1% of people who take Sertraline (although the exact percentage was not reported in these studies). Given this small percentage, for individual situations it is difficult to say whether weight gain is actually caused by the medicine itself, another medical condition, a change in eating habits and/or physical activity, a combination of these factors, or something else.
Take care, best wishes!
17 Dec 2011
Hello alisha29! Sertraline can cause weight gain as well as other SSDRI"S. I did gain weight during the first year, which was around 1990. I have not met anyone who has not gained weight on Zoloft. There has been data stating that you should not gain over 20 lbs. I gained over 40 lbs. but there were other circumstances involved. I had decided that I would rather be alittle heavier than experience symptoms of anxiety and depression again. I do need to get back to swimming 3 times a week so that I could lose some of this weight. Please talk to your doctor about your concerns. He may be able to find a medication regime that does not cause weight gain. If he does, let everyone know! You take care! Sweetie
3 Jan 2012
I was on Paxil and experienced significant weight gain... about 23lbs from 170 to 193. I was so bummed that the scale was going up despite diet and exercise, so I weened off Paxil. My doc just prescribed me Zoloft. I hope it works and the panic attacks go away. I also hope there is less weight gain. I will check back in about a week or so. thanks.
7 Apr 2012
Hi alisha29,
I am on 200 mg sertraline since 2 months ago and I did gain weight about 5 Kg but I am not sure sertraline caused weight gain because I use 20 mg Inderal per day to prevent migraine attack, 1 mg lorazepam to sleep enough as well. I feel much better because anxiety and depression are almost gone but my appetite has increased and I have not had any exercise during said period. I told this to my doctor he said "sertraline may cause weight gain and you should have enough physical activity" I hate overweight but I prefer not to experience anxiety and depression again so I have to exercise to lose weight.
Vita
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.
Similar questions
Social Anxiety Disorder - I was just percribed sertraline and have been taking for three weeks with?
... seemingly no affect am i waiting in vain?
Is weight gain a common side effect of lithium?
I've worked so hard to lose weight.; I fear that when I start taking the lithium I will gain it all back. I've been taking bupropion for a ...
Paxil~ is it worth it - weight gain and sexual side effects?
I’m 30 years old and have been dealing with social anxiety, worry, and fear and being so timid all my life. It’s gotten worse lately ...
Which have you found most beneficial?
I suffer from Anxiety & Social Phobia, tried many types of medication now its been suggested I try Citalopriam. Fluoxetine or sertraline Wondered ...
Has anyone on Klonopin had marked weight gain while taking it?
I've had panic disorder (along with depression, OCD, PTSD, major anxiety... ) since childhood. I'm on an anti-depressant now. I've ...

Hi Sweetie :)
My Dr. wanted to put me on Effexor first but I heard Zoloft was good so I asked for that instead. I kept asking him if caused weight gain and he said it depends on the person. My Mom and I have the same pshycatrist and hes cool he is willing to give you what you ask for wich is a good and bad thing. He wasent realley helpful with info on the Meds so I kind of do my own research. I do take clonazepam for anxiety and Im starting to wonder if I should just stick with that and therapy... Thans for the help:)